Sussex County finance director to retire in May

Sussex County Finance Director Susan M. Webb announced last week that she will retire in May, concluding a 20-year career in county government.

By Scott Goss

Sussex County Finance Director Susan M. Webb announced last week that she will retire in May, concluding a 20-year career in county government.

"I will miss the employees of the county most of all," Webb said after announcing her plans at county council's Dec. 4 meeting. "Many of them have become like family to me. And that's the hardest part of moving on. But 20 years, represents a milestone to me, and I'm ready to try something different and take a new direction in my life."

A Milford resident, Webb said she plans to spend more time with her family, including her 18-month-old grandson, and may volunteer or take a part-time job working with nonprofit organizations.

Webb graduated from Salisbury University and worked as a certified public accountant in the private sector before being hired as director of the county's accounting division in 1993. She was promoted to the county finance director position in 2006, after longtime finance director David Baker became county administrator.

County officials said Webb has been an integral force in helping to maintain balanced budgets without a property tax increase in more than 20 years, as well as helping the county earn awards for financial reporting each of the past 10 years.

"Susie is one of the nicest people you will ever have the privilege to meet," County Council President Michael Vincent said. "We are sorry to see her go, but we know there is a time and a place for everything. This is her time to say goodbye and move on. We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life."

No timetable has been set for county council to appoint Webb's successor, county officials said.